Bipinnate is a term that is commonly used in the field of botany to describe a type of leaf structure. The term bipinnate is derived from the Latin word “bis” which means “twice” and “pinnatus” which means “feathered”. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and associations of the term bipinnate.
Definitions
Bipinnate is a term used to describe a type of leaf that is divided into smaller leaflets, with each leaflet being further divided into even smaller leaflets. The smaller leaflets are arranged on opposite sides of the stem and are attached to the main stem by a smaller stem called a petiole. The leaflets of a bipinnate leaf are arranged in a feather-like pattern, with the smaller leaflets being arranged on either side of the larger leaflets.
Origin
The term bipinnate is derived from the Latin word “bis” which means “twice” and “pinnatus” which means “feathered”. The term was first used in the field of botany in the early 19th century to describe a type of leaf structure that was commonly found in a variety of plant species.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bipinnate is defined as “having leaflets that are themselves pinnate”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines bipinnate as “having leaflets arranged in pairs along a central axis, with each leaflet itself divided into smaller leaflets”.
Associations
Bipinnate leaves are commonly found in a variety of plant species, including acacias, ferns, and some types of roses. The bipinnate leaf structure is believed to have evolved as a way for plants to maximize their ability to photosynthesize by increasing the surface area of their leaves.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bipinnate include “twice pinnate”, “double pinnate”, and “feather-compound”.
Antonyms
The antonym of bipinnate is “simple”, which refers to a leaf structure that is not divided into smaller leaflets.
The same root words
The root word “pinnate” is commonly used in botany to describe a type of leaf structure that is divided into smaller leaflets. Other words that share the same root word include “pinnately” and “pinnation”.
Example Sentences
- The acacia tree has bipinnate leaves that are arranged in a feather-like pattern.
- The fern has a delicate bipinnate leaf structure that is highly efficient at photosynthesis.
- The rose bush has bipinnate leaves that give it a unique and distinctive appearance.